Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Five Arguments Homosexual Activists Use to Shut You Down (And Why They're Ridiculous)

NOTE:  These are just some of the ones I myself have heard, not a comprehensive list.

1.  "If it's not hurting anyone, what's so bad about it."
Statistics have shown that practicing homosexuals are far more likely to contract HIV, be drug users, commit suicide and have low life expectancy.  Here's just a sampling of that.

- Homosexuals of both sexes are fourteen times more likely to attempt suicide, and 3 and a half times more likely to attempt suicide successfully.  This is despite increasing societal tolerance of the homosexual lifestyle.

- The life expectancy of male homosexuals nowadays, with the advent of the AIDS virus, is only thirty-eight; only 2 percent live past age sixty-five.

- One study in San Francisco estimated that 43 percent of male homosexuals had more than 500 sexual partners; seventy-nine percent of them were strangers.  Sexual promiscuity always hurts

Homosexuality does hurt, no matter what activists say.

2.  "Homosexuality is natural."
A Catholic Answers tract on homosexuality deals very well with this one.

Many homosexuals argue that they have not chosen their condition, but that they were born that way, making homosexual behavior natural for them.

But because something was not chosen does not mean it was inborn. Some desires are acquired or strengthened by habituation and conditioning instead of by conscious choice. For example, no one chooses to be an alcoholic, but one can become habituated to alcohol. Just as one can acquire alcoholic desires (by repeatedly becoming intoxicated) without consciously choosing them, so one may acquire homosexual desires (by engaging in homosexual fantasies or behavior) without consciously choosing them.

Since sexual desire is subject to a high degree of cognitive conditioning in humans (there is no biological reason why we find certain scents, forms of dress, or forms of underwear sexually stimulating), it would be most unusual if homosexual desires were not subject to a similar degree of cognitive conditioning.

Even if there is a genetic predisposition toward homosexuality (and studies on this point are inconclusive), the behavior remains unnatural because homosexuality is still not part of the natural design of humanity. It does not make homosexual behavior acceptable; other behaviors are not rendered acceptable simply because there may be a genetic predisposition toward them.

For example, scientific studies suggest some people are born with a hereditary disposition to alcoholism, but no one would argue someone ought to fulfill these inborn urges by becoming an alcoholic. Alcoholism is not an acceptable "lifestyle" any more than homosexuality is.
Just because something isn't chosen, doesn't mean it's natural.

3.  "Scriptures against homosexuality no longer apply."
By this, they mean the Old Testament Scriptures against homosexuality, most commonly Leviticus 18:22 ("Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind, because it is an abomination").  They argue that such things were only ceremonial and were superceded by the New Covenant in Christ.  Wrong.  It is a moral imperative, and all the Old Testament moral imperatives remain in place.  Besides, even if this wasn't the case, why would the New Testament also speak so strongly against homosexual behavior?

For this cause God delivered them up to shameful affections. For their women have changed the natural use into that use which is against nature.  And, in like manner, the men also, leaving the natural use of the women, have burned in their lusts one towards another, men with men working that which is filthy, and receiving in themselves the recompense which was due to their error.  And as they liked not to have God in their knowledge, God delivered them up to a reprobate sense, to do those things which are not convenient...Who, having known the justice of God, did not understand that they who do such things, are worthy of death; and not only they that do them, but they also that consent to them that do them.  (Romans 1:26-38, 32)
Know you not that the unjust shall not possess the kingdom of God? Do not err: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor the effeminate, nor liers with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor railers, nor extortioners, shall possess the kingdom of God.  (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
The Scriptures are consistent in condemning homosexual behavior as sinful, Old Testament and New.

4.  "Jesus never speaks ill of homosexuality."
He never mentions incestous child molestation either, but does that make it ok?  The Scripture citations above, written by the Apostle Paul, render this argument refuted as well.  (Remember, an Apostle was one who had seen the Risen Christ and hear His teachings)

5.  "You're so judgemental."
As Catholics, we believe in the principle of "love the sinner, hate the sin".  We believe that we must love and respect our brothers and sisters, but that we must also warn them when their behavior goes against the will of God.  Homosexual behavior clearly goes against the will of God, and is a dangerous lifestyle that leads to many health issues.  Since when was warning someone of this bad?  Warning someone so that they can repent and not have to face the consequences of sin is the most loving thing a person can do.

Pax Christi.


Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Christmas and Updates

Well, the Christmas feast has passed.  Don't worry, the season hasn't ended; for us Catholics, Christmas lasts until January 10th.  =)

I hope everyone had a blessed holiday, filled with joy at the celebration of the birth of our Savior. 

Now, for the updates.

1.  I'm going to make an extra effort to post everyday with more relavent posts.  Your help would be appreciated; if you see something recent that could use some commentary from a Catholic perspective, send it to me.

2.  I also have a fanfiction accout.  I'm hoping to start writing again soon.  Stay tuned.

Pax Christi.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Fedzilla Passes the Health Care Deform Bill

It's official, the Senate version of the health care bill has passed.  Merry Christmas America, from the Democratic Party.  *throws up*

Why am I sick?  Let's count the ways that this bill will ruin health care in America.

1.  Rationed health care for seniors.
2.  Substandard, government run care.
3.  Federal dollars for the continued slaughter of innocent babies in abortion mills.
4.  It's a massive, unconstitutional power grab by the federal government (contrary to what the Democratic Congressional stooges say, there is no mandate for a government takeover of health care).
5.  It'll grow the already bloated federal deficit by billions.
6.  Americans will be forced to buy in or face fines.

Let us pray this monstrosity doesn't make it out of the house.  Time to get the tea partiers mobilized. =)

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Pope John Paul II and Other News.

First off, this just in from the Vatican;

Pope Benedict XVI has signed a decree recognizing the late Pope John Paul II's life of “heroic virtue.” With his signature, Benedict XVI throws the door wide open to the beatification of the much-loved Polish Pontiff and gives him the title "Venerable."
On Saturday morning, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints led by Archbishop Angelo Amato met with Pope Benedict XVI to celebrate their 40th anniversary as a dicastery of the Holy See and to present decrees for papal approval.  Pope John Paul II's name was among the Congregation's nominations for those possessing “heroic virtue.”
The next step towards canonization of John Paul II is a second decree to be signed by the Pope that attributes a miracle to him.  It is thought that this miracle will be one that has already taken place but has not yet been officially recognized. The miracle involves a French nun who was cured of Parkinson´s disease through John Paul II's intercession.
Following the approval of his first miracle, Venerable Karol Woytilya would be eligible for beatification, and pending a second miracle, he could be declared a saint.
The Vatican has processed his case in record time.  Since the Pontiff´s death, less than five years have passed.  Five years is the normal amount of time that must go by before the Holy See can begin the investigation process. In this case, Pope Benedict made an exception just a little over a month after John Paul II's death in March of 2005.
Among other documents signed by Benedict XVI on Saturday morning were decrees authenticating the heroic virtue of Pope Pius XII, Pontiff during World War II; the martyrdom of Jerzy PopieĹ‚uszko, a Polish priest killed in 1984, and a second miracle attributed to Bless Mary McKillop, who will now become Australia's first saint. (CNA )

Yes, Pope John Paul II has been declared Venerable, another step on the road to canonization.  DEO GRATIAS!

Now for the other piece of news.  My Christmas vacation to Massachussetts starts tomorrow, and as such I will not be posting for the next couple of days.  You can follow my updates on my new Twitter account .

Pax Christi and Merry Christmas.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Mass Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

First Reading:  Micah 5:1-4
Now you are walled about with a wall; siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike upon the cheek the ruler of Israel.  But you, O Bethlehem Eph'rathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.  Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in travail has brought forth; then the rest of his brethren shall return to the people of Israel.  And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.


Psalm:  Psalm 80:2-3, 15-6, 18-19
before E'phraim and Benjamin and Manas'seh! Stir up thy might, and come to save us!
Restore us, O God; let thy face shine, that we may be saved!
the stock which thy right hand planted.
They have burned it with fire, they have cut it down; may they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance!
Then we will never turn back from thee; give us life, and we will call on thy name!
Restore us, O LORD God of hosts! let thy face shine, that we may be saved! 


Second Reading:  Hebrews 10:5-10
Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings thou hast not desired, but a body hast thou prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings thou hast taken no pleasure.  Then I said, `Lo, I have come to do thy will, O God, 'as it is written of me in the roll of the book."  When he said above, "Thou hast neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), then he added, "Lo, I have come to do thy will."  He abolishes the first in order to establish the second.  And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.


Gospel:  Luke 1:39-45
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechari'ah and greeted Elizabeth.  And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!  And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?  For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy.  And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."  


God Bless and Merry Christmas.







Saturday, December 19, 2009

Note to All Catholics: Please Support the Advent Conspiracy

It's that Christmasy time of year again.

You know what that means; classic stop motion Christmas specials on TV, chefs teaching tasty recipes for Christmas dinner, carolers visiting your door to sing joyful songs to warm hearts, churches opening up the collection boxes so that the poor in their neighborhoods can have a nice Christmas.

But there's something else that comes with the yuletide season, something that never fails to rear it's ugly head; commercialism.

Every Christmas we're bombarded by advertisements shouting at us to buy, buy, buy.  We're told that we must find that "perfect gift" to make out loved ones happy.  We pour our resources into material things, as though that is what true love is all about.  We suffer from horrible stress.

Now, there is nothing wrong with buying and giving gifts, but this commercialism is distracting us from the real reason for the season; Christ the Lord.

Portland pastor Rick McKinley has had enough.  He has started a new movement amongst Christians.  It's name?  The Advent Conspiracy.

The purpose of the Advent Conspiracy is to take a stake to the heart of Christmas commercialism.  Instead of spending all our money on gifts for friends and family, Pastor McKinley is urging us to donate that money to the poor and homeless.  Change your whole attitude about giving at Christmas, he says.

Catholics, are we going to sit by, or are we going to lend our own hand as servants of the Lord to this effort?

I say, let's do it!

Fine nice little gifts that really mean something, and then give a real gift to those who need it most.  My prayers are with Pastor McKinley and all those who support the Advent Conspiracy.

Are you game?

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The Right and Wrong Way to Encourage Repentance

If there is one thing that any Christian, much less any Catholic, should know, it's this;

If you want to get to heaven, you need to repent.  It's a given.  Forgiveness of sins cannot happen without sincere repentance.

What happens if you don't?  There's no way of sugar coating it.  You will go to hell.  It's not pleasant, but then again, when has eternal separation from God and the suffering that comes with it ever been pleasant?

Jesus himself warned of this, as did Our Lady of Fatima when she showed the children seers a vision of the fate that awaits sinners.  There was a very good reason for this though.  The purpose was to let people know what happened if they didn't repent of their sins, not to terrify them into fear of punishment.

Unfortunately, any talk of hell nowadays is ripe with this.  People blast others with terrifying images of eternal damnation in order to terrify them into repentance.  They don't even know that hell truly looks like the way they are showing it, yet they do it.

There are two types of contrition, or sorrow for sins.  One is imperfect contrition, or sorrow motivated by fear of punishment.  By terrifying people into mortal fear of punishment, you encourage this.  While it's sincere, it is simply not the ideal.

The ideal is to encourage perfect contrition, or sorrow motivated by the love of God.  How do you do this?  Warn people where there sin is taking them and the reality of it, but do no horrify them with an endless stream of terrifying images.  Show them the love of God by being the same way toward them; remind them that God has a plan, and show them the path that they must follow.

God bless.

Hat Tip to Australia

Apparently, the folks down under have decided to make web filters to block out pornographic and illegal content on computers so children can't view it.

http://www.news.com.au/technology/k.....-1225771256672
http://www.techworld.com.au/article.....ossible_conroy





I tip my hat to the good folks in Australia who came up with this.  Though, IMO, it would be even simpler to just make pornography illegal.  But of course, the sexual perverts wouldn't stand for it.  Oh well, they'll have to deal with it.  Porn is evil and doesn't belong in civilized society.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

CBO Updates on Obamacare: It's Not Looking Good

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has taken another look at the health care reform bill currently in the senate, and they've found out a couple things that aren't going to help those wanting to get it passed.

According to a recent CNSNews article, the current Senate health care bill will force some middle class Americans to pay what amounts to a $15,200 federally mandated yearly insurance fee.  With middle class Americans currently having the make cut backs in order to make ends meet (I should know), no one can possibly afford this, especially in a bad economy.

In another article, the CBO estimates that by 2019, American taxpayers will be spending $196 billion a year on Obamacare, but 24 million will remain uninsured.  Wasn't this whole thing about reducing health care costs and getting Americans the health coverage they need?  I wonder how the media will spin this one.

The more I learn about this monstrosity currently in the Senate, the less I like it.  And apparently, there's a lot of people who agree with me.  According to an e-mail I received from the American Family Association, a new CNN poll suggests 61% of voters are now opposed to Obamacare.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Here's Another Gem from the Greenies

Once again, courtesy of LifeSiteNews.

December 14, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Population control groups have been using the hype surrounding the Copenhagen climate change conference to promote their solution to hypothetical impending environmental catastrophes. Earlier this month, two pieces appearing in the same edition of the Guardian revisited a report by Britain's Optimum Population Trust (OPT) that suggests that people in wealthy first-world countries should "offset" the carbon cost of their jet-setting lifestyles by paying to prevent the births of poor children in the developing world.
John Vidal, the Guardian's environment editor, wrote that the OPT's report suggesting a "radical" plan to cut carbon emissions was the "best bet" to reduce global warming trends. In August, the OPT issued a report claiming to have made a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis to work out exactly how much "carbon emission" a child born in the developing world costs.
Anyone else starting to think this whole Copenhagen thing was a bad idea?

Once upon a time, such a Malthusian outlook on the value of human life was regarded with either suspicion or, more commonly, outright contempt, and for good reason; every single human life is sacred.  Now, in today's secularized, de-Christianized culture, such a thing barely makes a ripple.

Even the far-left, normally ones to jump to the third world's defense at the slightest hint of "oppression", have been conspicuously silent.   No cries of "Western racism", no calls for boycotts or anything like that.  Just silence.

Could it be that radical green rhetoric, with it's near religious devotion to "sustainability" and unspoiled nature and its contempt for human development, if not human existence, be having a negative effect on our culture?  I would say it is.

I pray that people come to their senses.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Adultery Ads on Buses?

Lin
I found this little gem browsing around LifeSiteNews in my endless quest for wisdom.

TORONTO, December 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) today rejected a proposed advertizing campaign that woulud have involved wrapping its streetcars with advertisements for the Ashley Madison Agency, an online dating site that promotes adultery.
The advertising plan would have seen one of the city's streetcars wrapped in purple with the phrase, "Life is short. Have an affair," in bold letters running from front to back on both sides. The phrase would also occupy every ad slot inside the vehicle.
And here I thought the atheist ads on the buses were annoying.

An online dating site promoting adultery?  Now we know our culture is going to hell in a hand basket.

Link to the article here.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

A Lesson From the Tiger Woods Affair: The Importance of Marriage Fidelity

It's been all over the news.  Tiger Woods has cheated on his wife with multiple women.  When I heard last, the total number of mistresses was up to 11.

Decent people, I hope, are disgusted and appalled.  This was clear betrayal.  When he married his wife, he made a vow to love her for the rest of his life.  A promise, not only to his wife, but to God as well.  And now, he's broken that promise in about the worst way possible.

What do the Scriptures have to say about what he did?  Let's have a look.

Know you not that the unjust shall not possess the kingdom of God? Do not err: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers...
--1 Corinthians 6:9


Marriage honourable in all, and the bed undefiled. For fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
--Hebrews 13:4


Adulterers, know you not that the friendship of this world is the enemy of God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of this world, becometh an enemy of God.
-- James 4:4


It's clear; adultery is a mortal sin.  Have we forgotten this?


Let's refresh our memories.  Marriage fidelity is important, not only for our emotional well-being, but spiritual as well.  Remember your marriage covenant and keep it, as Christ remembers his to his Church.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

LSAT and HOA Outrageousness

I took my LSAT test this morning.  Can you say exhausting?  I thought I had it bad sitting for the SAT and ACT tests when I was applying for college.  This one beats them all easily.

I mean, what the heck is a logic game?  Silly little questions that don't look like they'll help me at all in law practice.  And they were TOUGH!  I'm surprised I didn't get a headache trying to work them out.  The logical reasoning and reading comprehension sections were much easier, though they wore me down too.  Thank goodness it's over.

Now, onto the second portion of this post.

My state is home to one of the country's oldest surviving veterans of World War II, 90 year-old Col. Van T. Barfoot (U.S. Army, Ret.).  For thirty years, this man would go out to the flag pole he had on his yard, raise the flag in the morning, and take it down in the evening.  Nothing wrong with that, right?  Right!?

Well, recently, the Homeowner's Association where he lives doesn't think so.  They're now suing him to have the flagpole taken down.

No, that wasn't a typo.  They're suing a 90 year-old World War II veteran, and Medal of Honor winner to boot, over a freaking flag pole.

Is this how our country treats our veterans nowadays?  Back in the day, veteran status was a mark of honor.  Now, they're treated no better than anyone else.  These men risked their lives to serve their country, and we repay them with stuff like this.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch article on this travesty.

What is this nation coming to?

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

*Sigh*

As if we needed any more proof that the Episcopal Church has lost any semblance of being a Christian Church, I find this little number, from an Episcopal Bishop, nonetheless.

Yep, that's right, the Episcopal Diocese of Massachussetts will now allow its clergy to "solumnize" homosexual "marriages".

This is just the latest in a long train of deviations from orthodox Christianity in the Episcopal Church, and indeed, seemingly, most of the "mainline" Protestant churches.  First the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, now the Episcopal Church.  Who's next?